EXTREME ADVENTURES WITH GOD

“Why live on the edge when you can jump off?” is my motto. I’ve always been up for a challenge.

I love the Lord and enjoy using my athletic abilities as an opportunity to share His love. I grew up in  church and planned to be in the ministry in a physically active area working with young people. I wanted to be a youth pastor or start a youth camp. After college I received a Master of Religious Education. Then I met and married my Godly husband. We adopted an amazing son so I became a stay-at-home mom, teaching Karate from my garage.

As my son was growing up, I competed in three Primal Quest extreme adventure races–the world’s most grueling 10-day, non-stop athletic expedition–and other athletic events that pushed me to my limits and allowed me to reach out to people who might not have otherwise been receptive to the Gospel. I shared my testimony at churches and for organizations and also wrote a book. I figured that was how God had chosen to use me.

But that wasn’t all He had in mind. Much to my surprise, when I turned 50, God laid out the rest of His plan. My son was in high school by then and I was led to go back to school to get my doctorate in Psychology. Although I had a heart to help people, it is still hard to believe I am in a job where I have to sit still. I love being active.

The Bible says God has our hairs numbered. He cares about every detail concerning us. I found that out firsthand. As I pursued psychology, I also studied Somatic Experiencing which is a body-based therapy for those that have gone through major trauma. It works on the nervous system and is based on the body. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God had hand-picked this ministry for me, and His timing was perfect too.

My son is in college now and I have a practice at a wonderful Christian counseling center where I work with youth as well as adults. I am honored to walk alongside clients who have experienced trauma or have other life-altering issues. I get to witness God’s ongoing work in their lives. I love that every day with God is an adventure.